Method and apparatus for making a reproduction

ABSTRACT

The disclosure relates to making a reproduction such as a photographic record of multiple or kaleidoscopic-type images with extreme clarity and little or no distortion of the subject. The subject is positioned preferably within and adjacent one end portion of an elongated enclosure which includes at least two intersecting reflective surfaces which generate the kaleidoscopic images. In making a photographic record, a camera is positioned adjacent or in the other end portion of the enclosure at a point where it views and records the subject as well as at least a portion of the subject&#39;&#39;s kaleidoscopic images.

United'States Patent De Larrain I [54] METHOD AND APPARATUS I 'OR MAKING A REPRODUCTION [72] Inventor: Raymundo De Larrain, Westbury Hotel,

Madison Ave. & 69th Street, New York,

221 Filed: Mar. 20, 1969 [21] Appl.No.: 808,944

[4s] Feb. 15,1972

OTHER' PUBLICATIONS Applicants Non-patent Citation McDongall, A. Its Done With Mirrors. In Popular Photography. 38(3)-p. 44*45 & 8 -.M?r 7 3. 5 7 Primary Examiner-Louis R. Prince Assistant Examiner-Joseph W. Roskos Attorney--Kenyon and Kenyon Reilly Carr and Chapin [57] ABSTRACT The disclosure relates to making a reproduction such as a photographic record of multiple or kaleidoscopic-type images with extreme clarity and little or no distortion of the subject. The subject is positioned preferably within and adjacent one end portion of an elongated enclosure which includes at least two intersecting reflective surfaces which generate the kaleidoscopic images. In making a photographic record, a camera is positioned adjacent or in the other end portion of the enclosure at a point where it views and records the subject as well as at least aportion of the subjects kaleidoscopic images.

10 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PAIENTEBFEB 15 m2 3.642.342

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' SHEETMUFS V I v I IINVENTOR.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING A REPRODUCTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART Since early in the nineteenth century, the kaleidoscope has served to produce attractive geometrical patterns or designs.

Amusement devices employing this principle have been widely accepted. The classical kaleidoscope includes a pair of mirrors with their reflecting surfaces inclined toward each other and intersecting at an acute angle. The mirrors are mounted within a tubular member which has a viewing means for the eye at one end. The other end contains multiple ornamental and coloredobjects disposed between translucent screens. When the objects are moved into differing positions, they provide an infinite variety of geometrical patterns or designs. When the mirrors are inclined and intersect to include an angle at 60", a hexagonally symmetrical pattern is formed wherein the original object produces five regularly spaced additional images. Although it has long been recognized that attractiveand unique designs may be generated by means of kaleidoscopic-type reflections, it has heretofore been difficult to record this type of image without substantial distortion. Numerous attempts have been made, including attaching a prismtype lens in front of a camera. It has also been proposed to attach a pair of mirrors to the camera lens'. Each of these approaches has been deficient either in failing to reproduce the subject without excess distortion or in being cumbersome and therefore limited in its applicability to conventional camera equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The method disclosed herein overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art and produces accurate reproductions of kaleidoscopic-type images. In one embodiment, there is provided an elongated enclosure having a pair of reflective surfaces or mirrors'inclined toward one another. The subject is then positioned so that reflected images are seen from one end portion of the elongated enclosure. A camera or other suitable image reproducing means is placed adjacent this end portion and focused so that the subject and the desired number of kaleidoscopic reflections are=recorded. A translucent screen may be provided behind the subject at the opposite end portion either alone or in conjunction with appropriate lighting at both end portions of the enclosure.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of this invention to provide a method of making a reproduction of multiple images.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a method and apparatus for accurately making a reproduction of kaleidoscopic-type images without any substantial distortion.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a method and apparatus for taking photographs wherein both the subject and reflected images appear.

These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. I is a perspective view of the arrangement of apparatus for taking kaleidoscopic-type pictures;

FIG. 2 is an end elevation view of the reflecting surfaces of the apparatus of FIG. 1 showing the subject positioned therein;

FIG. 3 is an end elevation view of the elongated enclosure with a camera positioned adjacent the lower portion thereof;

FIG. 4 is an end elevation view of the elongated enclosure with a camera positioned adjacent the approximate center thereof;

FIG. 5 is an end elevation view of the elongated enclosure with a camera positioned adjacent the upper portion thereof;

FIG. 6 is a representation of a kaleidoscopic-type image recorded by the camera as positioned in FIG. 3 in accordance with the disclosure herein;

FIG. 7 is a representation of a kaleidoscopic-type image recorded by the camera as positioned in'FIG. 4; and

FIG. 8 is a representation of a kaleidoscopic-type image recorded by the camera as positioned in FIG. 5.

With reference to the drawings, particularly FIGS. 1 and 2, the arrangement for producing kaleidoscopic-type pictures in accordance with the method disclosed herein is illustrated. The elongated enclosure 10 is triangularly shaped and has a plurality of interior reflective surfaces such as surfaces II, 12 and 13. The two vertically inclined surfaces 11 and I2 intersect each other at the top and form an included angle. When symmetrical kaleidoscopic image reproductions are desired, the included angle should be no greater than 90. It is noted that this angle may be greater than 90 when nonsym metrical images are desired or when a different shaped enclosure is provided. Further, many other variations of the enclosure 10 may be utilized to generate different effects and therefore is not to be limited to the triangular shape illustrated.

The two vertically inclined mirrors II and 12 of enclosure 10 are sufficient to provide useful kaleidoscopic reflections of the subject 14. The subject 14 is preferably positioned within the structure 10, although the subject 14 may be positioned adjacent to or slightly outside of the rear portion of the structure 10. With the subject positioned as illustrated, a camera 15 is placed adjacent the end portion of the enclosure opposite to that adjacent to the subject 14. The photographer is then enabled to make a reproduction such as a photograph which includes the subject as well as a selected number of reflected images.

A translucent screen may be provided at 16 and positioned behind the subject. This enables a variety of effects to be achieved. Lighting is also provided for illuminating the subject toward the rearward end of the enclosure at 17 as well as the forward end of the enclosure at 18. By providing the appropriate lighting at and behind the translucent screen 16, different shades may be provided for color photographs or other effects. The translucent screen 16 may further be utilized to project an image or film behind the subject. The imagereproducing means 15 will then record the subject 14 as well as the matter projected on the screen 16. The bottom surface of the enclosure 13 as illustrated is also a reflective or mirrortype surface. It is noted, however, that this surface may be either eliminated or be of a nonreflective type since it does not take part in producing .the reflected kaleidoscopic-type images.

A variety of different types of reproductions of the kaleidoscopic images such as photographs may be obtained as determined by the different positions at which the reproducing device such as a camera is placed. By positioning the camera at the lower portion of the enclosure as in FIG. 3, a reproduction such as FIG. 6 is obtained. It is noted that here the lower surface 13 provides for an inverted reflection of the subject which is then reflected by mirrors 11 and 12 into an inverted symmetrical kaleidoscopic pattern. By positioning the camera in the center as illustrated in FIG. 4, an image as illustrated in FIG. 7 is obtained. This type of reproduction illustrates the image rendered when the lower reflective surface 13 is eliminated. The image produced in FIG. 7 further illustrates additional effects which may be created by the structure 10. Herein the lines 20 which are symmetrically reproduced throughout the kaleidoscopic reflections are obtained by drawing a line across the enclosure 10 as indicated by the dashed line 21. When a camera is positioned in the upper portion of the enclosure 10 as illustrated in FIG. 5, the image obtained is like that of FIG. 8. Here again the reflective surface 13 is utilized. The inverted image is provided by surface 13 which is then further reflected by the vertically'inclined mirrors 11 and 12.

Although the discussion has been primarily directed to photographing still pictures with conventional cameras, it is recognized that other image reproducing means may be substituted, e.g., motion picture cameras, teievision cameras and the like. Although the images as previously discussed were obtained by utilizing conventional-type lenses, it is also recognized that wide angle or other more sophisticated type lenses may be substituted to introduce other effects.

The description as hereinbefore set forth is directed at a preferred embodimentjl-lowever, it is recognized that other modifications and variations may be made without'departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and, therefore, only such limitations should be imposed as are indicated in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A method of making a reproduction which contains multiple images of a subject comprising the steps of:

a. erecting a horizontal open-ended elongated tunnellike enclosure formed by at least a pair of reflective surfaces disposed at an angle and in a facing relationship with respect to one another;

b. placing a camera adjacent one end portion of the elongated enclosure and facing the interior thereof, said camera being positioned away from the reflective surfaces a distance sufficient to avoid any appreciable distortion of the image presented to the camera;

0. positioning at least a portion of the subject whose image is to be reproduced within the elongated enclosure to cause multiple images to be presented to the camera; and

d. reproducing at least some of the multiple images with the camera. l

2. The method of claim l wherein said pair of reflective surfaces meet one another to form an included angle no greater I than 90.

3. The method of claim 1 which further includes the step of placing a translucent screen behind the subject being viewed by the camera to form a backdrop for the multiple images.

4. A method of recording a kaleidoscopic image comprising the steps of:

a. inclining a pair of reflective surfaces to intersect and form an included angle therebetween;

b. placing a subject between the pair of reflective surfaces;

c. placing a camera in a location adjacent the reflective surfaces at which the camera can view the subject and at least a portion of the reflected images of the reflective surfaces, said camera being positioned away from the reflective surfaces a distance sufficient to avoid any appreciable distortion of the image presented to the camera; and

d. reproducing the direct image of the subject and at least a portion of the reflected images with the camera.

5. Apparatus for reproducing kaleidoscopic images of a subject comprising:

a. at least a pair of mirrors disposed in a facing relationship at an angle to one another, said pair of mirrors being adapted to form kaleidoscopic images of a subject at least a part of which is disposed between said mirrors;

b. means for supporting at least a portion of the subject in a position between said pair of mirrors at which said mirrors can provide kaleidoscopic images of the subject; and

c. a camera disposed adjacent to the end portion of said pair of mirrors extending adjacent to one another and away from the reflective surfaces a distance sufficient to avoid any appreciable distortion of the image presented to the camera for reproducing the kaleidoscopic images of the subject as produced by said mirrors into kaleidoscopic images independent of those produced by said pair of mirrors.

6. Apparatus in accordance with claim 5 in which said means for supporting at least a portion of the subject in a position between said pair of mirrors at which said mirrors can provide kaleidoscopic images of the subject comprises a member having a surface facing said mirrors and extending in a plane intersecting each of said members, said surface of said member being adapted to engagethe subject.

7. Apparatus in accordance with claim 6 in which said surto be reproduced within the elongated enclosure to cause multiple images to be presented to the image reproducing means;

d. illuminating the subject from each end portion of the elongated enclosure;and

e. reproducing at least some of the multiple images image-reproducing means.

9. A method of recording a kaleidoscopic image comprising the steps of:

a. inclining a pair'of reflective surfaces to intersect and form an included angle therebetween;

b. placing a subject between the pair of reflective surfaces;

c. placing an image-reproducing means in a location adjacent the reflective surfaces at which the imagereproducing means can view the subject and at least a portion of the reflected images of the reflective surfaces;

d. placing a translucent screen behind the subject being viewed by the image-reproducing means;

e. providing illumination on the subject from each end of the elongated enclosure; and

f. reproducing the direct image of the subject and at least a portion of the reflected images.

10. Apparatus for reproducing kaleidoscopic images of a subject comprising: I

a. at least a pair of mirrors disposed in a facing relationship at an angle to one another, said pair of mirrors being adapted to form kaleidoscopic images of a subject at least a part of which is disposed between said mirrors;

b. means for supporting at least a portion of the subject in a position between said pair of mirrors at which said mirrors can provide kaleidoscopic images of the subject; and

c. a camera disposed adjacent to the end portion of said pair of mirrors extending adjacent to one another having the optical axis thereof directed between said end portions of each of said mirrors for reproducing the kaleidoscopic images of the subject as produced by said mirrors into kaleidoscopic images independent of those produced by said pair of mirrors.

il 4 l by the 

1. A method of making a reproduction which contains multiple images of a subject comprising the steps of: a. erecting a horizontal open-ended elongated tunnellike enclosure formed by at least a pair of reflective surfaces disposed at an angle and in a facing relationship with respect to one another; b. placing a camera adjacent one end portion of the elongated enclosure and facing the interior thereof, said camera being positioned away from the reflective surfaces a distance sufficient to avoid any appreciable distortion of the image presented to the camera; c. positioning at least a portion of the subject whose image is to be reproduced within the elongated enclosure to cause multiple images to be presented to the camera; and d. reproducing at least some of the multiple images with the camera.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein said pair of reflective surfaces meet one another to form an included angle no greater than 90*.
 3. The method of claim 1 which further includes the step of placing a translucent screen behind the subject being viewed by the camera to form a backdrop for the multiple images.
 4. A method of recording a kaleidoscopic image comprising the steps of: a. inclining a pair of reflective surfaces to intersect and form an included angle therebetween; b. placing a subject between the pair of reflective surfaces; c. placing a camera in a location adjacent the reflective surfaces at which the camera can view the subject and at least a portion of the reflected images of the reflective surfaces, said camera being positioned away from the reflective surfaces a distance sufficient to avoid any appreciable distortion of the image presented to the camera; and d. reproducing the direct image of the subject and at least a portion of the Reflected images with the camera.
 5. Apparatus for reproducing kaleidoscopic images of a subject comprising: a. at least a pair of mirrors disposed in a facing relationship at an angle to one another, said pair of mirrors being adapted to form kaleidoscopic images of a subject at least a part of which is disposed between said mirrors; b. means for supporting at least a portion of the subject in a position between said pair of mirrors at which said mirrors can provide kaleidoscopic images of the subject; and c. a camera disposed adjacent to the end portion of said pair of mirrors extending adjacent to one another and away from the reflective surfaces a distance sufficient to avoid any appreciable distortion of the image presented to the camera for reproducing the kaleidoscopic images of the subject as produced by said mirrors into kaleidoscopic images independent of those produced by said pair of mirrors.
 6. Apparatus in accordance with claim 5 in which said means for supporting at least a portion of the subject in a position between said pair of mirrors at which said mirrors can provide kaleidoscopic images of the subject comprises a member having a surface facing said mirrors and extending in a plane intersecting each of said members, said surface of said member being adapted to engage the subject.
 7. Apparatus in accordance with claim 6 in which said surface of said member is a mirror-surface for adding additional reflected images to the kaleidoscopic images being reproduced.
 8. A method of making a reproduction which contains multiple images of a subject comprising the steps of: a. erecting an open-ended elongated enclosure formed by at least a pair of reflective surfaces disposed at an angle and in a facing relationship with respect to one another; b. placing an image-reproducing means adjacent one end portion of the elongated enclosure and facing the interior thereof; c. positioning at least a portion of the subject whose image is to be reproduced within the elongated enclosure to cause multiple images to be presented to the image reproducing means; d. illuminating the subject from each end portion of the elongated enclosure; and e. reproducing at least some of the multiple images by the image-reproducing means.
 9. A method of recording a kaleidoscopic image comprising the steps of: a. inclining a pair of reflective surfaces to intersect and form an included angle therebetween; b. placing a subject between the pair of reflective surfaces; c. placing an image-reproducing means in a location adjacent the reflective surfaces at which the image-reproducing means can view the subject and at least a portion of the reflected images of the reflective surfaces; d. placing a translucent screen behind the subject being viewed by the image-reproducing means; e. providing illumination on the subject from each end of the elongated enclosure; and f. reproducing the direct image of the subject and at least a portion of the reflected images.
 10. Apparatus for reproducing kaleidoscopic images of a subject comprising: a. at least a pair of mirrors disposed in a facing relationship at an angle to one another, said pair of mirrors being adapted to form kaleidoscopic images of a subject at least a part of which is disposed between said mirrors; b. means for supporting at least a portion of the subject in a position between said pair of mirrors at which said mirrors can provide kaleidoscopic images of the subject; and c. a camera disposed adjacent to the end portion of said pair of mirrors extending adjacent to one another having the optical axis thereof directed between said end portions of each of said mirrors for reproducing the kaleidoscopic images of the subject as produced by said mirrors into kaleidoscopic images independent of those produced by said pair of mirrors. 